Indian stock markets declined as investors reacted to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and expectations of U.S. interest rate hikes. These factors combined to put pressure on investor sentiment across the region.

The situation in the Middle East has created instability in global markets, making investors wary of potential disruptions. Simultaneously, speculation regarding U.S. Federal Reserve rate adjustments has strengthened the dollar and affected commodity prices.

Market participants are now reassessing the probability of gold reaching a price of $15,000 by the end of December 2026. This shift in outlook is driven by the current geopolitical and monetary policy shifts.